Random Flashback: The Birth of Detroit's Russian 5

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL Videos

Here's a random blast from the past. According to the Hockey Hall of Fame's This Date in Hockey History, it was on this day 15 years ago (October 27, 1995) that the Detroit Red Wings assembled their famous Russian Five line consisting of Sergei Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Slava Kozlov, Vladimir Konstantinov and Viacheslav Fetisov. It marked the first time in NHL history that a team used five Russian players on the ice at the same time. The group accounted for two goals (Kozlov and Larionov) in a 3-0 win against the Calgary Flames.

Fedorov, Kozlov, Konstantinov and Fetisov opened the 1995 season with the Wings, and the group was ultimately completed a couple of weeks into the campaign when Larionov was acquired from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Ray Sheppard.

Together, they were a menacing group that dominated the puck and helped lead Detroit to a 62-13-7 mark during the 1995-96 season, and eventually a Stanley Cup the following year. It was not only one of the best lines in hockey, but also, arguably, the most entertaining. Unfortunately, the Stanley Cup was the last time the group played together as Konstantinov had his career ended shortly after the Finals due to injuries suffered in a limousine accident.

Here's a four-minute television segment that talked about group a decade-and-a-half ago. When the NHL was still on Fox (glow pucks!) with James Brown. Ah, memories.

 

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